2011 Fiat 500 - 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show

You don't have to be a fan of old Italian movies to like the new Fiat 500, but it probably would help. This new Fiat 500—built in Mexico at the old PT Cruiser plant for the North American market but on sale in Europe since 2007—clearly has a charming personality and a vintage look that makes it seem right at home on, say, the tight streets of Rome.

Will the Cinquecento be a success in the U.S.? Fiat certainly thinks so, much like the Mini has been. "The modern version of the Fiat 500 is the symbol of true Italian design and is a perfect expression of what the world expects of Italian cars," explains Laura Soave, head of Fiat in North America. "The unique character of the Cinquecento, along with class-leading safety, fuel economy, quality and a focus to offer a unique experience to our customers, will help us to reestablish the Fiat brand in the North American market."

The North American Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter inline-4 with MultiAir, a throttle-less valvetrain technology that's claimed to make up to 10 percent more power but with 10 percent less emissions than a typical engine of similar size. Power is rated at 101 bhp, with 97 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Three versions of the 500 will be available. The Pop is the basic car, pretty well equipped. Next up is the Sport, fitted with firmer suspension, a rear spoiler and 16-in. alloy wheels. Last, there's the Lounge, fittingly named with its emphasis on luxury underscored by its glass roof, satellite radio and sole transmission—the automatic.

With its vintage charm, excellent fuel economy (look for highway mileage in the low 40s) and expected lively manners, the new Fiat 500 will likely be a success in the U.S. After all, Fiat has sold more than 500,000 500s in 80 countries since the car went on sale in July of 2007. The North American Fiat 500 ought to appear in the U.S. any moment now at around 165 select Chrysler dealers, to be followed by the Fiat 500C Cabrio in the spring of 2011.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.